"Persona 5" is the newest, long-awaited installment of the "Persona" series created by Atlus, a video game company that is best known for their "Shin Megami Tensei" JRPG series. For those who aren't familiar with some of Atlus games, the Persona series is a branch of the "Shin Megami Tensei" franchise, so there are many elements and themes that they share. The story is set in modern times, interweaving occult themes and mythologies spanning numerous cultures and regions, and having a strong Jungian psychology influence.

Similar to the previous installments, "Persona 5" follows a group of troubled high schoolers that struggle to find a place in society as they discover the ugly truths of the toxic, unjust world they live in. To combat a society engulfed by corruption and oppression, they take justice into their own hands by “stealing the hearts" of powerful, incorrigible adults to force them to change their ways. And by “toxic,” I mean it. Every target that you— the protagonist and his teammates— go after are truly rotten people on the inside. From physical and emotional abuse to exploitation, sexual harassment, blackmail, and what is actually considered true justice, "Persona 5" explores it all.

"Persona 5" opens with your character in the middle of a casino heist, fleeing from cops as your teammates frantically guide you towards the planned escape route. As soon as you think that mission is complete, you find yourself surrounded by the police and then beaten unconscious.

You awake in a prison cell— bloodied, bruised, and drugged— before being immediately subjugated to a interrogation, in which you recount the double life of your criminal alter-ego that served as the ring leader of the infamous “Phantom Thieves of Hearts.”

Since the main character is still a student, the game balances out your life of crime with seemingly normal social activities. You take random pop quizzes during class, can work a part-time job for money, hang out with friends, or even study for tests. On top of that, you have about 20 different people to interact with. As you grow closer to these confidants, you learn more about backgrounds while they teach you skills that you can use throughout the game. If there is a lady that's to your fancy, then you can enter an intimate relationship with one of them (or even all of them at the same time, but that just makes you look like a scumbag— but you do have that option...). The confidants themselves make up a good portion of the game, with a wide range of ages, jobs, circumstances, and secrets. Confidants are scattered all over the place, so you have the pleasure of exploring the very stylized and distinct city of Tokyo.

Speaking of style, "Persona 5" is the very definition of stylish. The user interface has slick transitions as you go through the menus. The aesthetic of cities are almost overwhelming, full with life and energy. To make things even better, the atmosphere is pumped with copious amounts of acid jazz and funk. I didn't think that something so trivial as walking around the streets of Tokyo could sound so good.

Another core aspect of this game is its dungeon crawling elements. The dungeons here are actually manifestations of a person's twisted desires called Palaces. "Persona 5" shakes up the usual RPG formula of fighting your way to the top and solving puzzles by implementing a healthy dose of stealth and patience. It's time to show off your Phantom Thief skills by ducking under the cover of darkness, eavesdropping on your enemies, and ambushing them from behind. Completing a Palace can quickly become a nightmare if you don't plan correctly or act too reckless. Just like how you can exploit and ambush your enemies, they can do the same. If you are not careful, even an under-leveled group of foes can turn the tides on you. As you cautiously navigate through the Palace, you have to strategize your plan of attack so you can survive.

all corners of the game, materializing in the characters' usage of Personas— the manifestation of an individual's personality and feelings— in combat. The "Persona" series takes this Jungian idea and runs with it. More specifically, a Persona is similar to the concept of wearing a mask to hide one's vulnerabilities and suppressed thoughts. Once an individual gains the resolve to rebel against the injustices that oppress them (therefore tearing that mask off), the power of their Persona can be used. Characters rely on drawing out the power of their Personas to fight malevolent versions of other Personas called Shadows. Personas are what keeps players on their toes because of the numerous ones to collect and battle with.

"Persona 5" is a game that definitely ranks as one of the best JRPGs ever. No, seriously. It's just that good. There's always something to keep you busy and plenty of eye candy to savor. The characters are complex and unique, fleshed out thanks to their role of confidants and teammates. "Persona 5" also has one of the strongest stories out on the market to date, chock full of twists and surprises. There's a constant sense of desperation and intrigue that keeps players craving for more as you slowly uncover the dirty truths of society. If you are looking for game that will keep you busy for hours on end, then look no further. The Phantom Thieves are here to take your heart.